Multi-functional cardigan and method of use

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional cardigan that can be worn with or without baby and is meant to help free up a mother&#39;s hand by helping hold newborn babies upright, especially those with acid reflux or colic. The cardigan&#39;s main utility is its support for helping mothers hold newborn babies upright after each feeding through its connectors and draped ends. Elastic connectors on each of the cardigan&#39;s front draped ends connect each side of the cardigan around the baby by looping the elastic around a shank button located on the inside and outside of the cardigan&#39;s side seams. The intentional long draped ends tuck up, under and around the baby, securing the baby to the mother&#39;s body. The draped ends help to hide postpartum belly, act as a blanket or buffer from the public while the mother breastfeeds, and to support the mother when burping the baby.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/140,134 Filed Sep. 24, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to mother support via a multi-functional cardigan and method for use thereof, and more specifically for wear and utility by mothers of new babies.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many mothers may struggle to some degree with caring for, holding, and nursing their babies, especially those babies diagnosed with acid reflux or colic. Currently, no cardigan with efficient means to help facilitate the necessary tasks of raising and nurturing a newborn baby exists.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a multi-functional cardigan with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a functional and fashionable cardigan for wearing by a mother, such as a sweater. The cardigan can be worn with or without a baby. The cardigan includes features for soothing and holding a baby upright by wrapping the baby closely to the mother's chest. Although the cardigan was originally designed to keep babies upright for reasons related to acid reflux and colic, it is helpful for all babies because of its additional uses including the following: pockets conveniently located on front and back deep enough for bottles, phones, baby monitors, pacifiers, and other accessories; skin-to-skin support; acts as a nursing cover; hides postpartum belly; assists in “kangaroo care” for premature babies and early postpartum care; complements standard baby carriers and nursing tank tops; among many other features. The cardigan is not only offered in multiple fashionable styles, but it enables a mother to have an extra hand to care for the rest of her household.

What sets the present invention apart is its convenient utility, intentional fabric drapes and connectors. The preferred embodiment includes four elastic connectors on each side of the left and right drapes. This is designed to allow for connection of the elastic connectors on the inside and outside of the garment, assisting in holding the baby upright to help avoid painful acid reflux.

The intent of the present invention was to create a product that allows a mother to soothe a baby with acid reflux, by holding the baby tightly against the mother's body, and helping to free up mother's hand to take care of the rest of the household and its members: spouse, other children, pets, etc. The cardigan may help to eliminate the painful burps and bubbles out of a baby while keeping the baby upright for long periods (e.g. 30 minutes) after each feeding, while also allowing for freedom of movement and hands-free capabilities.

According to Bryan Vartabedian, M.D., pediatric gastroenterologist and author of Colic Solved (copyright 2007 to Bryan Vartabedian M.D. and published by Ballantine Books), along with other pediatricians, the best way to minimize the painful effects of acid reflux is to keep babies upright for 20-30 minutes after each feeding. In order to keep a baby upright fully after a feeding, and especially for those babies not sitting up on their own yet, a parent must carry said baby. Although standard more traditional baby carriers exist, there has yet to be an actual cardigan or garment that a mother can wear with or without baby, in which its sole purpose is to help keep baby upright. The cardigan is something the mother would already be wearing throughout the day, most likely over a nursing tank top, so it eliminates the hassle to strap on a standard baby carrier. The cardigan simply makes life easier on the mother by establishing a more efficient way to manage newborn feedings and all that is entailed with them, while taking care of the rest of the household and its members. Moreover, acid reflux is many times the root of excruciating pain in babies, causing them to be diagnosed with “colic.” At about six months, a baby's digestive system is mature enough to digest more complex solid food substances, and thus most likely will outgrow acid reflux by this age and will not require being held upright anymore. The present invention's use, which is not a baby carrier or breastfeeding supportive top, goes beyond soothing acid reflux and colic. Mothers can continue to wear the present invention forever even as the babies continue to grow into self-functioning children. The cardigan has purposeful drapes that not only help support the baby when connected, but with intention, those drapes hide postpartum belly and are long enough to cover the pelvic area, which is a common area mothers are self-conscious about during the postpartum period.

The present invention according to the present disclosure comprises of a piece of fabric with enough weight and stretch to support a baby, while feeling comfortable for everyday wear on a mother, regardless if she is holding her baby or not. The cardigan with or without sleeves serves the function of an ordinary cardigan with pockets front and back, but its main purpose relies on the elastic connectors that align the inside of each drape of the fabric. To complement the elastic connectors, shank buttons are carefully placed and sewn on the inside and outside seams on both sides (between the armpit and waste) of the cardigan. After strapping the baby's frontside against the mother's front-side using the elastic connectors and shank buttons, the mother can then grab ahold of the excess fabric-draped ends that hang past the baby's bottom and shove or tuck the excess fabric draped-ends up, under and around the baby, towards the mother's chest. The excess fabric-draped ends of the cardigan are used to tuck up, under, and around the baby that lay against the body of the mother wearing the cardigan to help secure the baby in an even tighter hold. To elaborate, this system forms a pocket which functions like a hammock, swing- or sling-like apparatus to form an ergonomic place for the baby to be carried or set in.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a typical orientation.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof shown in an open orientation.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof shown being reconfigured to a support orientation.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof shown in a support orientation.

FIG. 4A is an alternative front-elevational view thereof showing connection of elements.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view thereof showing how elements are manipulated.

FIG. 5A is a front elevational view thereof showing a continuation of how elements are manipulated.

FIG. 5B is a front elevational view thereof showing a further continuation of how elements are manipulated.

FIG. 5C is a front elevational view thereof showing a final orientation after elements of FIGS. 5, 5A, and 5B have been manipulated, and also showing sectional line 6.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view about the line of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagramming the steps taken in practicing an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Multi-Functional Cardigan 2

Referring to the figures in more detail, FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the multi-functional clothing cardigan 2. Primarily, the invention is a cardigan for a mother to wear. The cardigan may or may not have sleeves, but should have an open front created from a right side 4 and a left side 6, joined by a back portion 22, to allow access to the inside 8 of the garment. At least one front pocket 10 may be included for storing of baby toys, bottles, a smart phone, or other accessories and items.

The cardigan 2 functions as a cardigan when worn by the mother, and may or may not include sleeves.

A connector 12, 18 shown as a button may be located on one or both sides of the garment. One connector 12 would be located on the exterior of the garment (an exterior connector 12), and one on the interior connector 18. An elastic connector 16 is used to connect to the connectors 12, 18 for use when holding a baby upright as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The buttons and corresponding elastic connector 16 help to secure one side of the garment around a baby and attach to the other side of the garment.

Generally, one interior connector 18 will be connected to the opposing interior side via a selected one of the elastic connectors 16 of the opposing side, such as hooking one of the elastic connectors 16 of the right side 4 to the interior connector 18 of the left side 6. Then the elastic connector 16 can anchor the left side 6 to the exterior connector 12 of the right side 4. Then the draped ends 14 of the remaining unhooked left side 6 can be drawn up, under, and around a baby, wrapping the baby and using the baby's weight to secure the cardigan fabric about the baby. FIG. 6 shows how this would function when holding a baby, forming a pocket 20 with an interior seat 19 to secure the baby against the mother. This pocket functions like a hammock-, swing-, or sling-like element securing the bottom of the baby.

The interior 12 and exterior 18 connectors could be shank buttons which are carefully placed and sewn on the inside and outside seams on both sides (between the armpit and waste) of the cardigan 2.

When using the cardigan 2, FIG. 3 shows how the right side 4 of the cardigan 2 is connected to an interior connector 18 of the left side 6 of the cardigan with one of the elastic connectors 16 located on the interior of the right side 4. FIGS. 4 and 4A show how then the left side 6 of the cardigan 2 is pulled over towards the right side 4, and another one of the elastic connectors 16, this time located on the interior of the left side 6, connects to an exterior connector 12 located on the outside of the right side 4. In this way, the cardigan 2 securely embraces the baby within the cardigan. The draped ends 14 as shown end in a taper which makes it easier and more comfortable to tuck the ends 14 up and under the baby within the cardigan 2.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5-5C, the draped ends 14 of the right 4 and left 6 sides are tucked up, under, and around the baby's bottom towards the frontside of the mother and baby. FIG. 5A shows how the draped end 14 of the right side 4 is tucked up, under, and around the baby, FIG. 5B further shows how the draped end 14 of the left side 6 is also tucked up to form the interior seat 19 of the pocket 20 formed by the draped ends 14, and FIG. 5C shows how the entire cardigan 2 appears after the draped end 14 of the right side 4 is also tucked up, under, and around the baby identically as shown in relation to the right side 4 draped end 14 shown in FIG. 5A. In doing so, the cardigan 2 forms a pocket ideal to hold an infant in a vertical orientation to help to soothe the infant who suffers from acid reflux or colic.

Grosgrain ribbon loops 17, 24 are attached to either shoulder of either side 4, 6 of the garment. These loops allow for holding clips containing common baby items, such as pacifiers and teethers.

FIG. 8 shows the steps taken in practicing an embodiment of the present invention. As above, the process starts at 102 and the cardigan garment is obtained at 104. The wearer puts their arms through the sleeves of the cardigan at 106 and positions their baby in front of them at 108. The baby should be positioned facing the mother and upright, such that the baby's front side is facing the mother's front side. The user then pulls the first side towards the second side at 110, and secures 112 the first side 4 to the interior connector 18 of the second side 6 using one of the elastic connectors 16. When pulling the first side towards the second, opposite side, the wearer should target the inseam of the second side with the end of the first side.

The user then pulls the second side towards the first side and secures 114 the second side 6 to the exterior connector 12 of the first side 4 using one of the elastic connectors 16. The user then wraps the excess fabric of the cardigan, largely encompassed by the tapered draped ends 14, up, under, and around the baby's bottom, towards the mother's front side, at 116, using the baby's weight to secure the ends 14 against the wearer's body. The process ends at 118.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. 

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A clothing system comprising: a cardigan garment having a first side and a second side joined by a rear portion, said first side having a first external connector comprising a button, a first internal connector comprising a button, and a first plurality of elastic connectors, and said second side having a second external connector comprising a button, a second internal connector comprising a button, and a second plurality of elastic connectors; said first side ending in a first draped end; said second side ending in a second draped end; said first external connector configured to be connected to by a selected one of said second plurality of elastic connectors; said second external connector configured to be connected to by a selected one of said first plurality of elastic connectors; and said cardigan garment configured to be transformed from a first orientation to a second orientation comprising an interior pocket formed by said first draped end and said second draped end.
 2. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein said second orientation comprises said selected one of said first plurality of elastic connectors being affixed to said second internal connector, and said selected one of said second plurality of elastic connectors being affixed to said first external connector.
 3. The clothing system of claim 2, further comprising: said second orientation configured to form said interior pocket from said first side and said second side, said interior pocket configured to secure a body.
 4. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein said second orientation comprises said selected one of said second plurality of elastic connectors being affixed to said first internal connector, and said selected one of said first plurality of elastic connectors being affixed to said second external connector.
 5. The clothing system of claim 4, further comprising: said second orientation configured to form said interior pocket from said first side and said second side, said pocket configured to secure a body.
 6. The clothing system of claim 1, further comprising: a first grosgrain ribbon loop affixed to said first side and a second grosgrain ribbon loop affixed to said second side; and wherein said first and second grosgrain ribbon loops configured to receive a clip.
 7. The clothing system of claim 1, further comprising: wherein said first end ending in a first taper; and wherein said second draped end ending in a second taper.
 8. The clothing system of claim 7, wherein said first taper and said second taper are used to secure a body within said interior pocket using said body's weight against a wearer of said clothing apparatus.
 9. A method of transforming a cardigan garment from a first, worn orientation to a second, support orientation, the method comprising the steps: connecting a first side of the cardigan garment to an interior of a second side of said cardigan garment by looping a first elastic connector located on an interior face of said first side to an interior connector affixed to said interior face of said second side, and wherein said first and second sides are connected via a rear portion; connecting said second side of said cardigan garment to an exterior of said first side by looping a second elastic connector located on an interior face of said second side to an exterior connector affixed to said exterior of said first side; whereby said second side end and said second side thereby form a sling-like carrying for securing a body; and tucking draped ends of each of said first and second sides up, under, and around said body, wherein said draped ends comprise a taper.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps: tying a first and second grosgrain ribbon loop, wherein each of said first and second grosgrain ribbon loops are affixed to a respective one of said first and second sides.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: wherein said first elastic connector is one of a first plurality of elastic connectors affixed to an end of said first side; and wherein said second elastic connector is one of a second plurality of elastic connectors affixed to an end of said second side.
 12. A clothing apparatus comprising: a cardigan garment having a first side and a second side joined by a rear portion, said first side having a first external connector comprising a button, a first internal connector comprising a button, and a first plurality of elastic connectors, and said second side having a second external connector comprising a button, a second internal connector comprising a button, and a second plurality of elastic connectors; said first external connector configured to be connected to by a selected one of said second plurality of elastic connectors; said second external connector configured to be connected to by a selected one of said first plurality of elastic connectors; said first side comprises a first draped end having a taper; wherein said second side has a second draped end having a taper; said cardigan garment configured to be transformed from a first orientation to a second orientation; wherein said second orientation comprises said selected one of said first plurality of elastic connectors being affixed to said second internal connector, and said selected one of said second plurality of elastic connectors being affixed to said first external connector; and said second orientation configured to form an interior pocket from said first side and said second side, said interior pocket configured to secure a body and wherein said first and second draped ends are tucked up, under, and around said body. 